Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria cannot approve the negotiating framework for North Macedonia’s EU membership as yet: Foreign Minister

Ekaterina Zaharieva
Photo: BGNES

“We are not in a capacity to approve the negotiating framework for North Macedonia as yet,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva said at a briefing.

In her words, the Macedonian side systematically violates the good-neighbour agreement, barriers are being created impeding Bulgarian investments, no steps are being taken to address hate speech.

“The position of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and of the Bulgarian government is a position of good will, but no compromises leading to anti-Bulgarian campaigning will be tolerated. It would be difficult for the entire European Union if we have open issues. There are such examples at the moment, and they are not pleasant,” she said.

In Ekaterina Zaharieva’s words there is still a chance of achieving agreement on the negotiating framework. “Time is running out but the fact that the German Presidency of the Council of the EU is committed to the process gives positive indications. It would be to the detriment, most of all of Skopje, if they do not wish to fit into the defined framework,” Minister Zaharieva said.

North Macedonia and Bulgaria must iron out their differences by 10 November when a meeting of the foreign ministers of the EU countries is scheduled at which the negotiating framework is to be approved. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Citizens protest against the construction of a wind farm in Dobrudja

Representatives of the national citizens' initiative "The White Swallow" are protesting today in front of the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water in Varna.  The protest was prompted by an upcoming meeting on the construction of a wind farm..

published on 12/5/24 8:30 AM

President Radev expects the court to rule on his appeal regarding the changes to the Constitution

President Rumen Radev expects the Constitutional Court to rule more quickly on his appeal regarding the changes to the Constitution. The head of state made this statement in front of students at the University of National and World Economy, where he..

published on 12/4/24 7:20 PM

Cloudy skies and snowfall in the mountains

On Thursday temperatures will range from 1 to 5°C, with a low of 2°C in Sofia. In the morning, visibility may be reduced. The day will be cloudy. There will be light rain first in the east and later in the day in the west. Highs will be between 5°C and..

published on 12/4/24 7:05 PM